Francis Clarence Greer had arrived in New Zealand in 1853 he served as a Lieutenant in the local volunteers during the

NZ Wars and bought land in Tawa Flat. Francis Greer is listed as a builder and contractor[i] but also farmer in Tawa Flat and was an undertaker for the district. Elizabeth Heather Pilcher arrived in Tawa Flat as three years old and lived the

rest of her life in the area[ii]. The couple married in 1866.

Gerald Randolph Greer was born in Tawa Flat on 29th July 1888 the twelfth of thirteen children born to Elizabeth

(nee Pilcher) and Francis Greer[iii].

Raised in Tawa Flat Gerald have worked on his father’s land but possibly moved to work on other farms in the Manawatu.

On 25th May 1909 Gerald married Olive Oliver in Porirua

their son Sydney Raymond Greer was born in Fielding[iv]

Porirua Wedding 1909

Gerald was selected in the Military Ballot held and in

June 1918 attended a medical examination in Palmerston

North where the 33 year old, farm hand was passed as fit.

On 10th October 1918 Gerald Randolph Greer entered

military training camp as 91686 Private Greer, 50th

Reinforcements. Private Greer’s military papers note that

his wife Mrs O Greer was his next of kin and they had

one child. Private Greer is listed as a farm hand working

on Mr Kubb’s farm, Palmerston North.

While the 50th Reinforcements were in camp the Armistice was signed on 11th November 1918, ending the fighting on

the Western Front. With no need for reinforcements Private Greer was given on 20th November 1918 a Certificate of

Leave in Lieu of Discharge which meant he could return to his family. Private Greer was finally discharged on the

10th March 1919.

Gerald and Olive had a second son had a second son Ashley James Greer in 1923[v].

Gerald Randolph Greer died on 25th May 1969.

Notes

One of Gerald’s older brothers served in the NZEF during WW1

55952 Rifleman Samuel Johnson Greer - New Zealand Rifle Brigade

Gerald and Olive’s son NZ417208 Flight Sergeant S R Greer was killed in action in 1943.